Steven Milne's memories of a famous night in 2006 are still fresh in his mind and driving him on as he battles to be fit to face Rangers in Tuesday's Homecoming Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at McDiarmid Park .
Steven Milne's memories of a famous night in 2006 are still fresh in his mind and driving him on as he battles to be fit to face Rangers in Tuesday's Homecoming Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at McDiarmid Park .
St Johnstone's leading scorer suffered a thigh strain in training last week and is receiving intensive treatment. He is desperate to play, having been the first division club's hero when they inflicted one of the most embarrassing results in Rangers' recent history two years ago.
The former Plymouth and Dundee forward scored in a CIS Cup quarter-final to earn St Johnstone a first win at Ibrox in more than 35 years, a defeat which virtually cost Paul Le Guen his job.
Milne missed a shoot-out penalty as Derek McInnes's men lost last April's Scottish Cup semi-final to Rangers, but that does not sour his memories of the CIS Cup win.
"I certainly don't get sick of people bringing that game up, that's for sure. Obviously, I've had success against Rangers before and it's good to remember it. The semi-final last season was a blow, but everything is in the past and hopefully we can create new history.
"Rangers have great players; whoever comes in will be a quality player even if the likes of Kris Boyd leaves. But we're at home, will have our fans there in numbers, and have a pretty good home record."
Milne, who has scored nine goals this season, added: "I've got a bit of a thigh problem but I'm hoping to train today or tomorrow and see if I can get through it. I've been getting treatment every day and I'm pretty hopeful things should be okay.
"You don't want to miss this type of game, but you also don't want to go into it not being 100% and probably putting yourself out for another couple of weeks."
St Johnstone still expect to bank around £100,000 even if the Rangers tie is not a sell-out. Ticket sales have been slow for the televised tie, with the Perth side shifting around 2900 briefs and Rangers having an allocation of approximately 4700.
No public sale is taking place in a bid to maintain segregation, with the Perth side hoping for a late rush from season-ticket holders and fans with a priority vouchers.
Geoff Brown, the chairman, said: "The sales are not anything that you wouldn't expect for an 8.05pm kick-off on a Tuesday night in January with the match live on the BBC.
"But, at the end of the day, if you are playing the Old Firm at any time you expect six figures. We're looking at around £100,000 when all costs are taken into account. But nobody can be choosy these days."
